S2 Ep18. At the Heart of Self-Discovery: Corine LaFont on Healing, Boundaries, and Saying Yes to Self

In this heartfelt episode of ABWilson’s Heart of the Matter, host Aderonke Bademosi Wilson sits down with Corine LaFont, a seasoned communications specialist, consultant, and storyteller from Trinidad and Tobago. What unfolds is a powerful and deeply personal conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of embracing one’s truth.

Corine opens up with candid reflections on how being labeled as “a tool, convenient, and a child” influenced her sense of self and shaped her life experiences. These perceptions, though limiting, became a catalyst for deeper self-awareness and personal evolution.

The episode takes a brave turn as Corine shares the emotional story of leaving a toxic 27-year relationship. Her journey toward self-love and personal freedom is  moving and empowering, offering listeners a raw glimpse into what it means to choose yourself, against the odds.

Healing, for Corine, has been a holistic and spiritual journey. She reveals how prayer, meditation, and moments of solitude have been central to her growth, helping her reconnect with her inner strength and purpose.

But Corine’s transformation doesn’t stop there. With authenticity and kindness at the core of her daily mission, she brings light to others through simple acts. Offering words of encouragement, sharing laughter, and spreading joy in everyday interactions.

Listeners will also be surprised to discover lesser-known facets of Corine’s personality: she’s an introvert who thrives in the world of communication, a passionate Latin dancer, and a creative spirit who finds joy in painting and drawing. These vibrant details paint a fuller picture of a woman deeply in tune with her passions.

Throughout the conversation, Corine emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, honoring one’s self-worth, and practicing healthy detachment. These insights serve as gentle yet powerful reminders for anyone navigating relationships or seeking emotional clarity.

Guided by Aderonke's warm and intuitive interview style, Corine’s genuine spirit and wisdom shine through. The episode becomes more than just a conversation. It’s a beautiful reminder of what it means to heal, to believe in oneself, and to live with intention and authenticity.

Why listen? Because this episode is a celebration of strength and vulnerability. It’s for anyone ready to embrace their story, overcome life’s challenges, and rediscover joy in the everyday. Corine’s journey encourages us all to say “yes” to ourselves and to do it without apology.

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Transcript

**Aderonke (00:01.122)**  
Welcome to another edition of ABWilson's Heart of the Matter, a podcast that uses overwhelmingly positive questions to learn about our guests, where every episode uncovers extraordinary stories of triumph, growth and empowerment. Hi, I'm Aderonke Bademosi Wilson. My guest on today's show is Corrine LaFont. She is a tool, convenient, child. Kareen, welcome to the show.

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (00:36.183)**  
Thank you so much. When you said those three words, it rattled me. Let's go. Let's go, Aderonke. Let's go.

**Aderonke (00:43.758)**  
All right, so tell me, first of all, why tool? Tell me about that.

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (00:50.637)**  
That's a good one to start with. Let me think on that. Now those words I give you are the words that I, in my interactions and my experiences and circumstances so far, have revealed to me this is what I think people are seeing me as, a tool, convenient, and a child. I was starting with a tool because I am used. They see me as somebody to use and to use for their convenience. So they know that I'm intelligent. They would use those words. And people have come back to me and said that, Corrine, you're highly intelligent. But somehow that intelligence turns into something when it doesn't suit them.

You know, so when they can't get what they want from me or they're not getting their way, I am seen as something else. So it's like, how could in one being in one person be intelligent and not and not be that same intelligent person in all circumstances? You know, it's just mind boggling. It's like how... It's like, okay, you're making a decision on something. I would normally make informed decisions, but you would find if that decision I make is not in keeping with what you expect, suddenly you start to talk me down, put me down and speak ill of me as if I'm not that intelligent person anymore to make that informed decision. So it's interesting.

How in one being that when it suits you, I'm intelligent and then on another I'm not. And you could use me when somehow the intelligence comes out, because clearly it comes out at certain times, I don't know. You're able to use me as a tool for my intelligence, but then when it doesn't suit you, you can't use me as that tool again because you're not getting that from me.

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (03:13.857)**  
To be able to use. Are you understanding what I'm saying?

**Aderonke (03:16.706)**  
I do, I do. And so what about being a child? Speak to me about that.

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (03:21.809)**  
Well, it links back to the tool and the convenience too, because they feel that they could talk to me in any way that they wish. I am spoken to in a childlike manner, like do this, or you're supposed to, or this is expected of you. You know, it's like you haven't grown up to have your own mind. You're no longer living in your parents home. Well, even if you were, you have your own children, you are working, you know what I'm saying? You're supposed to have your own, to make your own decisions, but it's like you're still under a blanket, something that they feel that they can still talk to you however they wish. And sometimes they even remind you, you are the child.

**Aderonke (04:20.302)**  
Hmm.

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (04:20.855)**  
I am the parent, they remind you. So it's validated what I'm saying to you. It has proven to me through the words that they say, you you're the child. I am the, you know, the parent, you know, and it may not even necessarily be only a parent. It could be a cousin, a sibling. Just, you know, people who are older than you and feel that you are always the child, you know, and you must...

**Aderonke (04:33.731)**  
Mm.

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (04:49.197)**  
And this must be the way. So it's like you don't have that space to have your own way of thinking. You are not allowed. You must still follow what we say.

**Aderonke (05:01.848)**  
And so, Kareem, as we move forward, my next question for you is, can you share three interesting things about yourself that our listeners may not know and your friends will be surprised to learn?

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (05:20.663)**  
That I'm an introvert at heart, clearly. At first, I thought I was an extrovert. It comes back again to what I was saying before. I was made to feel like I'm an extrovert, but I've discovered on my healing journey that I'm really an introvert. I can be an extrovert because I adapt. We're both in the communications field, and a lot of people feel that once you're out there, but you're in the TV, you're in radio, you're out in public, and you're so friendly.

And as soon as that's finished, I'm back to my, yeah, I need my space. I don't like crowds. People might think I like crowds. I'm a Latin dancer. That's another thing too. You know, very few people may know that or may be surprised by that. When I hear music, I go crazy. I will dance anywhere once I hear music. So if you want to be my friend, be prepared because I will dance on the streets. I will dance in the aisle while I'm pushing the shopping cart, you know. I will do that kind of crazy thing. But yeah, what was I saying? I was saying something.

**Aderonke (06:25.966)**  
And so you had two things that you're an introvert, you're a Latin dancer. What was the third thing that people may be surprised?

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (06:31.02)**  
Yes. My people are the most. I used to paint and draw. Painting and drawing is in my blood. I bought some supplies some years now and it's still wrapped up in the stuff in the box. But I want to be able to go back to that because I used to teach art in school and I have that natural ability and all of that is part of me. I'm very creative, I'm very talented, like I say, highly intelligent.

People have said, so they know of my skills. They are aware of what I'm capable of. But that same thing that they're aware of, I'll use against me.

**Aderonke (07:18.52)**  
Can you tell us about a recent accomplishment or success that you're particularly proud of?

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (07:26.125)**  
Leaving my relationship of 27 years. I mean, it's about, I don't know, I've lost kind of count, I think, from 2015 officially. I don't know how much years is that. Is that 10? That should be easy. 10. Yeah, that's good. That's good. You know, to be able to after 27 years in a toxic relationship to be able to...

**Aderonke (07:45.902)**  
Mm-hmm.

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (07:53.463)**  
Have the cojones, let me use the correct terminology, to believe in yourself and know that you could do it. When you really think about it, you have been doing it all along, but the manipulation and the control makes you feel like you're incapable of leaving. But I want to say to anybody listening to this, you can. Even if it's a dollar you have in your pocket, you have all the skills that you need within yourself. You have all the skills you need. So that's my greatest accomplishment, I think, because and why somebody might have thought I would have said a job or, you know, money or probably traveled or something. But when it comes to your life and your mental state and your spiritual state and... You know, you make a decision because I asked myself the question back then.

I've spent 27 years of it. It just took one question. I spent 27 years of my life in this. Do I want to spend another 27? That's all. That was the only question. And the answer was hell no. So even if I had a day left in my life, a month left, a year left, I don't want to spend it like that. And that's all it took for me to say yes to me. Yes to my life. Yes to what's ever is left. And thank God I'm still here. He's keeping me 10 years and still going.

**Aderonke (09:20.75)**  
Congratulations!

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (09:22.583)**  
Thank you so much.

**Aderonke (09:25.88)**  
Please tell us about a time when you made a difference in another's life. What were the circumstances? Paint a picture for me.

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (09:34.187)**  
I think I do that every day at a runtime. I do that every day. There's no way that I don't make an impact in people's lives. When I go out on the street and I go into a shop, I tell people they're beautiful. Smile. You know, especially if I'm being served, you know, and I see them serving me. When it comes to food and things like that, I want people to serve me with love, with a smile. I even tell them sprinkle some love in that bag or sprinkle some love. You know, and I turn the whole thing, I end up making a whole scene, I guess, in the place, you know, and it brings it brings laughter. It brings love everywhere I go. I carry love with me because I am love. You know, I don't know anything else. Nothing else could exist within me. You know, and so I always impact people's lives. Some people don't like it.

You know, when I say some people don't like it, especially in the workplace, they see that as a threat. You know, you're too likable. You're too nice. Everybody likes you. People want to know you or like you or want to talk to you. And it's a problem. But I don't stop. It is my purpose and duty and responsibility to do what I do. And if it doesn't trigger something in somebody or wake up something, then something is off, you know? It triggers anger in some, it love in some, it wakes up sometimes things that were dormant in people that they need to have in their life every day, you know? Because sometimes I tell people, men and women, I say, you're beautiful.

**Aderonke (11:02.254)**  
Mm-hmm.

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (11:20.717)**  
You're so handsome. Every time I'm passing somebody, say handsome, meaning, you know, a man. Say handsome, how do I get to so and so? And he will just laugh. And I'll be like, oh, you didn't know that you were handsome? You know, or sometimes I just say handsome, how you doing? And he'd be like, I'm good. And I just walk off, you know, but I know I could sense the energy in the back that he feels so good, you know.

Sometimes I tell women they're beautiful and they look so shocked. I'm like, why are you so shocked? You don't know you're beautiful. And she'd be like, no, nobody really tells me that. And I'd be like, wow, but you are. So I walk around every day, every day. And it's not that I intentionally do it to say I come out of my house with that intention, but it's just my nature to do it.

**Aderonke (12:14.488)**  
So what are the key strengths and qualities you rely on to make a difference?

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (12:22.029)**  
What are the key strengths and qualities I rely on to make a difference? Just being authentic. Just being me. That's my strength. That's my quality. I don't have to pick up anything externally or study anything. Just be me. I'm just being authentic. It doesn't matter where I go. You meet me yesterday, Adiranka is the same person you're meeting today. You meet me 10 years from now is the same person you're gonna meet. Take it or leave it. That's just what it is.

Authenticity, that's it.

**Aderonke (12:57.23)**  
Maureen, can you recall a situation where you overcame a challenge that led to personal growth? What did you learn from that experience?

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (13:07.745)**  
Well, coming back to my leave in the relationship, that led to my personal growth. That led me to know that I really didn't love myself. I thought I did, but if your actions doesn't say that, then you really don't. Words are one thing and actions is another because if somebody else was in that same situation, I would have told them, what are you doing in there? Why are you still hanging on to this?

So I realized I didn't love myself. I mean, if you woke up to anybody and said, do you love yourself? The obvious answer is going to be, of course I do. But your actions is not saying that. So my actions was not matching up. And so when I came out to give me an opportunity, when I started, before I came out of the relationship, my actions started moving towards my own healing.

When I came out, of course, it gave me even more room to work on myself because now I have the space mentally, physically, spiritually, you know, to work on myself. Yep, that's the moment.

**Aderonke (14:13.23)**  
So what are some of the things you did to work on yourself? What did you do on your healing journey?

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (14:20.471)**  
Prayer. I ran to God, I'm telling you, I ran to him. Just like how that song goes with Whitney Houston. I ran to him with a passion and a vengeance and I held on to the hem of his garment. I still do. I still do. I still beg him. Say, don't leave me. Don't even think about leaving me, Holy Spirit. Don't even think about it.

You know, as I hold on to him for their life. So prayer, meditation, spending a lot of time solitude. You know, I was threatened that you will be alone. That was the parting words. You will be alone. I'm like, alone is different from lonely. You know, I'm never lonely, never lonely. And even if you're alone, you're never really alone, honestly.

**Aderonke (15:08.469)**  
No.

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (15:17.131)**  
You know, you're never really alone. It's just a mental state. You know, some people cannot be alone at all, you know, in solitude, just them alone, you know, because voices, you have to deal with those demons that come to you all the time. I call them demons. You hear those voices of your past, your present that come back to haunt you, things that keep reminding you of all the things you have done, you know.

Yeah, so that was a turning point in my life to help me to know me. So it was a self-discovery, it was a self-healing, and it never stops. I continually get to learn about myself and it's exciting. I think it's an exciting journey because what it has done, it has me to set boundaries and boundaries and people think boundaries are to keep people out, but it's also to know what you want to keep in, you know?

What are your standards? What are your values? What you're not compromising on? So it helped me to determine a lot of that and what I deserve because that's what boundaries are about. Really what you deserve.

I know what I deserve and I accept nothing less. I don't care if it's work life, personal life, friendship. I don't care what it is. Everything has boundaries. And I have no attachment to anything and anyone because the worst thing is to be attached because attachment is what causes us to be hooked, those tentacles to be hooked that we can't separate ourselves from the situation or the person because we feel, well, it's your this or it's your that.

That's where the issue is when you are attached. So I don't attach to anything. Even if it's my children, I love them dearly, I don't because they could pull you down into an abyss and you can't get yourself out of.

**Aderonke (17:19.542)**  
Can you be in a relationship and not attached? What does that look like?

**Corine La Font, Communications Specialist & Consultant (17:27.187)**  
It looks like preservation. It looks like security, safety. It looks like recognizing the realities. Because you see, I believe, and this is me, I'm not saying other people need to, based on my experience, I believe that nobody could really give you what you could give to yourself.